ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Government’s effort to augment domestic production ensured supply-demand balance of COVID 19 treatment drugs
98.87 lakh vials of Remdesivir allocated to States/UTs & Central Institutions from 21st April - 30th May 21
Remdesivir production ramped up ten times
2,70,060 vials of Amphotericin B allocated to States/UTs & Central Institutions from 11th May - 30th May 2021
Availability of COVID 19 related drugs being reviewed continuously
Union Minister Shri D.V Sadananda Gowda today said that consistent efforts of Government to augment domestic production resulted in a stabilised supply-demand balance of COVID treatment drugs across the country.
The Minister informed that total 98.87 lakh vials of Remdesivir were allocated to States, UTs & Central Institutions from 21st April to 30th May 2021. Production of Remdesivir has been ramped up ten times leading to enough supply than the demand. With the accelerated production, we are planning to supply up to 91 lakh vials up to the end of June, he added. He further informed that Cipla has imported 11,000 vials of 400 mg and 50,000 vials of 80 mg of Tocilizumab from April 25-May 30, 2021. In addition, MoHFW received 1002 vials of 400 mg & 50,024 vials of 80 mg via donation in May. Further, 20,000 vials of 80 mg and 1000 vials of 200 mg are likely to arrive in June, he added.
Shri Gowda informed that about 2,70,060 vials of Amphotericin B have been allocated to States/UTs & Central Institutions from 11th May to 30th May 2021. This is in addition to the supplies of 81651 vials that had been made by manufacturers to States in the first week of May.
He stated that the production, supply and stock position of other drugs used in treatment of COVID, such as Dexamethasone, Methylprednisolone, Enoxaparin, Favipiravir, Ivermectin, Dexamethasone Tablets are also being reviewed weekly. The production has been augmented and stocks are available to meet demand, he added.
Shri Gowda assured that the Government is continuously reviewing the availability of COVID 19 treatment drugs with existing and new manufacturers to enable the demand for the drug to be met.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Paralympics Silver Medallist Yogesh Kathuniya kicks off PM Modi's ‘Meet the Champions' initiative in Bihar, visits Patna’s local all girls’ school on the occasion of International Women’s Day
Paralympics Silver Medallist Yogesh Kathuniya on Tuesday, March 8 visited Patna’s Government Girls Senior Secondary School and kicked off PM Modi's school visit campaign to create awareness among students about the importance of balanced diet and fitness in the eastern region of the country. Titled Meet the Champions, Tokyo 2020 Olympians are visiting schools across the country, as part of this programme.
Yogesh, whose mother played a huge role in his recovery during his childhood, also took the occasion to wish all those who were present there a very Happy International Women’s Day and said “she has always been there with me from the start and always supported me, so I especially dedicate this women's day to her.”
He then went on to talk about his paralympic journey and said “though the journey only started in 2017 for me, I was quick to realise that this was the sport for me and the career I want to be in, and have since then dedicated myself fully to this sport."
Meet the Champions' initiative is part of the government’s ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ that was kicked off by Olympic Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra in December 2021.
So far 9 Olympians and Paralympians have met student representatives of over 600 Schools over the past few months and shared their life experiences, lessons, tips on how to eat right and also give an overall inspirational boost to school children.
During Yogesh's event in Patna, the State Education board also invited Divyang students from various schools, so Yogesh can interact with them and motivate them to take up sports.
Addressing the kids on how a balanced diet is important for everyone Yogesh said "we need to have all food items, even sugar, but in the right amount and from right food items. You get protein and carbohydrates from junk food items as well, but they also have excess amount of saturated fats that you need avoid. So it is important to find the right food item for your source of protein and carbohydrates."
After his interaction with the local students, Yogesh also played a game of Volleyball with the students that were present there and inspired the next generation of athletes to take up all kinds of sports.
The unique school visit campaign is jointly being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Education. The initiative started after India’s huge success at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, when Prime Minister Modi, during his interaction with the athletes, had requested them to visit 75 schools and speak of the importance of Santulit Aadhar and Fitness.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
RASHTRIYA VAYOSHRI YOJANA
As per 2011 Census, total number of Senior Citizens in the country is 10.38 Crore. Data on total number of senior citizens suffering from age related disabilities and living below poverty line are not maintained in this Ministry. However before distribution of assisted devices assessment is done regarding senior citizens who suffer from age related disabiliteis/ infirmities. The Ministry is implementing a Central Sector Scheme namely Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana  under which free of cost assistive devices are provided to those senior citizens who suffer from age related disabilities/infirmities, and belong to BPL category. Since 2020-21 senior citizens who have a monthly income upto Rs. 15,000/- can also avail the benefit.
RVY is implemented across the country. There is no regional focus for RVY.
A total 11 Camps  have been organised in Bihar since 2019 under RVY scheme and physical aids and assisted devices have been distributed free of cost to 2638 senior citizens.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Success Story: Swachh Bharat Mission
Malappuram’s Keezhattur village is a model ODF Plus village
Owing to various ODF Plus interventions, Keezhattur village in Malappuram district of Kerala is today a model ODF Plus village. Famous for its socio-cultural relevance as the capital of ancient Valluvanad, the village which was declared ODF in 2016 has shown exceptional performance in sanitation and waste management, compared to other Grama Panchayats  in the Perinthalmanna Block.
Keezhattur village can boast of 100 per cent door to door collection of dry waste and 100 per cent management of wet waste at source. The village has successfully collected user fee for collection of segregated waste from all institutions and 70 per cent of households.
A Material Collection Facility  is available at GP level and forward linkages have been established through Resource Recovery Facility  at the block level.
Further, an initiative that has successfully reduced the volume of dry discards or non-biodegradable waste is the effective implementation of the Green Protocol in all government offices, institutions and for events organised under the purview of the GP.
Green protocol is essentially a set of measures which when implemented result in significant reduction of waste with a primary focus on prevention of use of disposables and using reusable alternatives such as glass, stainless, and porcelain crockery and cutlery.
Green protocol - an enviro-cultural revolution has truly become a movement in Kerala. When Green Protocol is implemented in any event, non-biodegradable waste generation becomes close to zero. Therefore, the question of waste management after the event becomes virtually non-existent. It was tried for the first time during the National Games held in Kerala and now it has become a people’s movement with many functions including weddings implementing the Green Protocol.
Another winning strategy was the engagement of an external agency for rendering support for solid waste management  initiatives. The agency facilitates regularly monitoring of SWM initiatives under the guidance of the GP administration.
Notably, all schools, Anganwadi Centres and public offices have toilet facilities.
More than 80 per cent of households and institutions have their own source level SWM facilities, while all schools and Anganwadi centres have their own systems for managing solid waste and soak pits for managing liquid waste.
Focus is also given to IEC activities to keep people aware of the importance of hygiene and sanitation, promote source level segregation, management of wet waste at source itself and to motivate waste generators to pay user fee for the door-to-door collection and processing of waste.
Ministry of Textiles
Minimum Support Price of TDN-3 Grade of Raw Jute
Kolkata, May 15, 2023
Following the decision of the Central Government to fix the Minimum Support Price for TDN-3  Grade of raw jute at Rs 5050/- per quintal for the 2023-24 season  and outcome of the meeting held in the office of the Jute Commissioner on May 12, 2023. The meeting was held between the officials of the different bodies dealing with the raw jute. The corresponding minimum support prices for all grades of jute and mesta/bimli all over India was fixed by the Jute Commissioner.
Minimum support prices fixed for different varieties and grades of Raw Jute and Mesta/ Bimli all over India for the year 2023-2024 season are as follows:-
The JCI would continue to act as the Central nodal agency to undertake the price support operation for raw jute during the 2023-2024 season.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves acquisition by Shrem InvIT of equity in ten road infrastructure projects from Dilip Buildcon Limited  and its associates
The Competition Commission of India  approves acquisition by Shrem InvIT of equity in ten road infrastructure projects  from Dilip Buildcon Limited  and its associates under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002, yesterday.
The Proposed Combination involves an acquisition of 100% of the equity in the Target SPVs by the Acquirer. It also entails issue of certain of units of Shrem InvIT to DBL and its associates as consideration for the acquisition.
Shrem InvIT is a trust registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and with SEBI under InvIT Regulations 2014. It has been set-up for the purpose of carrying on the activity of an infrastructure investment trust.
The Target SPVs are undertaking the road projects in the state of Karnataka, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. They have been incorporated for the purpose of developing specific road projects.
DBL is engaged in the business of construction, operation and maintenance of roads and highways. DBL as an EPC contractor obtains road projects through a government’s competitive bidding process.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the demise of Times Group Chairperson Smt Indu Jain
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Times Group Chairperson Smt Indu Jain ji.
In a tweet, Shri Modi said :
"Saddened by the demise of Times Group Chairperson Smt. Indu Jain Ji. She will be remembered for her community service initiatives, passion towards India’s progress and deep-rooted interest in our culture. I recall my interactions with her. Condolences to her family. Om Shanti."
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Registration/Diagnostics/Treatment fee at National Institutes/CRCs under DEPwD to be waived off for Divyangjan having UDID cards from 1st January, 2023
The benefit will also be extended to those who have disability certificates and are enrolled on UDID portal, irrespective of percentage of disability
Such an initiative will pave the way for other Government Organizations to link the UDID card with the benefits to persons with disabilities, says Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  has been established to take steps for assisting ease of living for all PwDs, and to improve skills of education/rehabilitation professionals in this field, DEPwD is continuously striving to take steps and decisions towards these objectives.
At all National Institutes   and Composite Regional Centers  , registration/diagnostics/ treatment fees have been waived off for UDID card holders, as well as for those who have disability certificate and are enrolled on UDID portal, irrespective of percentage of disability, w.e.f. 1st January 2023.
In addition, full course fee will be waived off for those students of various courses at NIs/CRCs, who are UDID card holders, as well as for those who have disability certificate and are enrolled on UDID portal, irrespective of percentage of disability. This will be effective for 2022-23 batch students onwards .
Further, each NI and CRC have been instructed to have a dedicated counter to help PwDs in filing UDID applications and to provide treatment facilities to all persons on Saturday and Sunday also.
Minister while appreciating this move stated that such an initiative will pave the way for other Government Organizations to link the UDID card with the benefits to persons with disabilities.
MG/RK
(Visitor Counter : 1151
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Government initiates dialogue to resurrect agri sector exports in the aftermath of current COVID-19 crisis
Following directions from Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Secretary DAC&FW held video conference with Associations of producers/exporters of agri commodities to resolve their issues
Government has initiated a dialogue with the exporters of Agri and Allied commodities to address issues affecting the sector as a fallout of the lockdown to check the COVID-19 disease. Following directions from the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, the Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Shri Sanjay Agarwal held a video conference here yesterday to gain a first- hand account of the problems being faced by the exporters of Agri and Allied commodities and initiate necessary steps by making meaningful interventions for early redressal of their problems to help them sustain though the current Covid-19 crisis. Exporters, representatives of Associations of producers/exporters of agri commodities namely, Fruits, Vegetables, Basmati and Non-basmati Rice, Seeds, Flowers, Plants, Organic produce, Agriculture Equipment and Machinery participated in the meeting.
Several common and sector specific issues were raised by the participants. The common issues highlighted by exporters of all agri commodities related to availability and movement of labour, inter-state transport bottlenecks, shortage of raw materials due to closure of Mandis, phyto-sanitary certification, closure of courier services thereby hampering movement of shipping documents, availability of freight services, access to ports/yards and clearance of goods for imports/exports.
The representatives of industries relating to food processing, spices, cashew nuts and machine & equipment  sectors requested for permission to open/operate at least on 25-30% strength and offered to commit their industries to proper health advisory in their functioning.
The issue of internal transport is being addressed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and necessary directives are being issued. Instructions have also been issued for continuous/regular issuance of phyto-sanitary certificates and acceptance of online certificates.
Shri Agarwal said the issues pertaining to Port, Ocean freight services, Courier services will be considered for necessary resolution. The request of industry to open for functioning and sector specific issues will be taken up with the Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and resolved appropriately, he assured.
India is a net exporter of Agricultural & allied Commodities. India’s agricultural and allied exports during 2018-19 were Rs. 2.73 lakh Crores and this sector has always been positive in balance of trade. Export is very important as besides earning precious foreign exchange for the country, the agricultural exports help farmers/producers/exporters to take advantage of wider international market and increase their income. Exports have also resulted in increased production in agriculture sector by increasing area coverage and productivity.
Ministry of Tourism
Tourism Ministryhas recently revised Guidelines for Scheme of Market Development Assistance  to promote Domestic Tourism: Sh G. Kishan Reddy
Ministry of Tourism is planning targeted programmes in order to boost domestic tourism throughout the country. The Ministry has undertaken the following activities/ initiatives to promote Domestic Tourism:
i.Dekho Apna Desh Webinars.
ii. Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat: various activities like road shows, Fam trips, B2B Meetings, Quiz programmes, webinars between paired States / UTs to promote Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.
iii.Aerial photography of key cities and cultural assets  across the country during lockdown.
iv. Regular consultations with industry stakeholders on issues related to opening up of Tourism sector.
v. Handling of tourists, protocols of safety and security, services standards etc.
vi.Domestic Tourism Promotion Campaign through Webinars, social media and other digital platforms.
vii.Dekho Apna Desh Campaign has been the mainstay of Domestic Promotion. The main focus is to rebuild the trust of the domestic & international travellers in terms of India being safe destination to travel in post Covid Scenario.
The Ministry of Tourism has revised the Guidelines for Scheme of Market Development Assistance  for promotion of Domestic Tourism in November 2020 to enhance the scope and reach of the scheme. As per the guidelines, the stakeholders are provided with financial support for the promotion of Domestic Tourism. Additional promotional activities have been incorporated including online promotions and the extent of financial assistance permissible has been enhanced. Tourism Departments of State Governments / UT Administrations are also now eligible for obtaining financial support under the scheme.
Development and promotion of Tourist Sites/Destinations is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/UT Administrations. However, Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to States/UTs for development of tourist destinations based on detailed project reports submitted by them.
Ministry of Finance, GoI has recently announced new loan guarantee to more than 11,000 registered Tourist Guide/Travel and Tourism Stakeholders, so that they could discharge their liabilities and restart business impacted due to COVID-19. Loan will be provided with 100% guarantee upto the following limits:
•Rs. 10,00,000 for TTS 
•Rs. 1,00,000 for tourist guides licensed at Regional or State Level
This information was given by Minister of TourismShri G. Kishan Reddyin a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Science & Technology
EDUCATIONAL CUM AWARENESS PROGRAMME UNDER JIGYASA HELD AT CSIR-CMERI
Kolkata, 23 July 2019
The Jigyasa Program for the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Andal and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Panagarh on Municipal Solid Waste management was held at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research  The Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute , Durgapur on July 23, 2019. Around 100 students and teachers participated. They were appraised about the various aspects of Solid Waste Management and later visited Municipal Solid Waste management pilot plant in CSIR-CMERI Colony Campus.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur emphasised upon the unequivocal importance of generating awareness amongst the students and the youth of the nation, which will help in creating a sense of responsibility among them and equip the students with the requisite information to stand against the burgeoning menace of Municipal Solid Waste management. Prof. Hirani stated that the Goodwill and the Positive Image of a Nation is brought forth by the Civic Sense and Responsible Attitude of its Citizens. He urged the students to be the Flag bearers of Knowledge & Skills and help in the dissemination of the same among the masses.
During the interactive session, the students expressed their appreciation and curiosity for such an interesting and engaging subject. They interacted with Sr. Principal Scientist and Director, CSIR-CMERI, Prof. Debajyoti Banerjee, and Senior Scientist, Dr. Amit Ganguly.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Feminization of Agriculture
As per Agriculture Census conducted at an interval of every five years by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, the percentage of female operational holdings in the country have increased from 12.78 percent during 2010-11 to 13.78 percent during 2015-16.
In line with the provisions of National Policy for Farmers  , the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development is already implementing a programme exclusively for women farmers namely, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana , which is a sub-component of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission . The primary objective of MKSP is to empower women by enhancing their participation in agriculture and to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for them. Funding support to the tune of up to 60%  for such projects is provided by the Government of India.
The Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is also promoting mainstreaming of Gender Concerns in agriculture by ensuring flow of funds and benefits to the tune of 30% for women farmers under its beneficiary oriented Schemes and Programmes. Besides, Government is providing additional support and assistance to women farmers, over and above the male farmers under a few selected Schemes.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Minister and the Minister of Botswana hold talks, focus on promoting the cultivation of nutri-cereals
India is preparing to celebrate the International Year of Millets on a global scale - Shri Tomar
The visiting Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation of Botswana, Dr. Lemogang Kwape held a meeting with the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in New Delhi today to discuss the issues of cooperation between the two countries in Agriculture and Allied sectors.
In the meeting, both the Ministers expressed satisfaction at the friendly and close bilateral relations between the two countries. Shri Tomar said that overseas Indians are making a significant contribution to the economy of Botswana. He spoke about the possibility of further enhancing bilateral trade to increase the benefits of farmers-producers of both the countries. Both the ministers emphasized on promoting the cultivation of nutri-cereals on a large scale in view of their nutritious value and significance. Shri Tomar informed that India is gearing up to celebrate the International Year of Millets on a global scale.
Both sides also discussed the issues of market access for their agricultural products and assured each other of resolving the issues at the earliest. Since the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two Governments in January, 2010 on Cooperation in Agriculture and Allied Sectors has expired, the two Ministers agreed upon the early revival of the MoU. Dr. Kwape thanked Shri Tomar for the warm welcome and hospitality and invited him to visit Botswana.